The gifted education extension option allows students in the Elementary Inclusive Education Program to receive the New York State extension in gifted education along with their initial elementary education certification by including 12 credits in gifted education in their course of study. Students who choose this option complete an additional semester of student teaching (3 credits) in a gifted education setting, which can be an inclusive setting, along with three courses in gifted education. This is a 52-point M.A. program.

Students who are interested in entering this program can choose this option either when they apply for admission to the Elementary Inclusive Education Program, by designating the extension on their applications, or by informing Professor Borland and Professor Oyler of their intention to pursue the extension once they have matriculated in the Elementary Inclusive Education Program.

Since the extension program combines courses and requirements from the Elementary Inclusive Education Program and the Program in Gifted Education, advisement is provided by the faculty of both programs. Faculty in the Program in Gifted Education advise students on matters related to courses in gifted education, student teaching in gifted education, and the culminating project.

If students have any questions about the extension program, they should get in touch with Professor Borland at jhb27@columbia.edu.